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The Pokémon Company Delays Pokémon Go Plus Accessory to September

The Pokémon Company announced on Thursday it has pushed back the release of the "Pokémon Go Plus" accessory.

The Pokémon Company originally planned to release the device in late July, with each unit priced at 3,500 yen (about US$34). Due to improvements with the Pokémon Go app, the company decided to postpone the accessory's release, ensuring that its performance will be up to speed with the updated app. An official within The Pokémon Company also cited Pokemon Go's unprecedented success as a reason for the delay, explaining that more units would have to be manufactured for the game's huge number of users.

Nintendo is developing the accessory (pictured at right), which allow players to capture nearby Pokémon without relying on their phones. Players can wear the accessory in their pockets or wear it as a wristband. The device will flash or vibrate to alert players of any Pokémon in the area. Pressing the white button in the center will toss a Pokéball at the Pokémon. The device will also alert the user whenever a Pokéstop is in range; pressing the white button will be the equivalent of spinning the stop for items.

The Pokémon Company said it hopes that the accessory will reduce the number of people using their phones as they walk, and facilitate a safer playing experience.

The Pokémon Go app launched in select countries including the United States on July 6, and has since launched in more than 35 countries. Developer Niantic Labs revealed the team leader characters for the game during San Diego Comic Con last weekend, and is considering adding breeding to the game.

Source: Mainichi